45... Conference Champions 46...Conference Players of the Year Award Winners Season Preview

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1 Table of Contents/Quick Facts 2008 Rams Quick Facts General Information Location:... Fort Collins, Colo. Founded Enrollment:... 24,983 Nickname:...Rams Colors:...Green and Gold Home Court:... Moby Arena (8,745) Conference:...Mountain West Conference President:...Dr. Larry Penley Director of Athletics:... Paul Kowalczyk SWA:... Christine Susemihl Faculty Representative:...Jackie Hartman Athletic Department Phone:...970/ Ticket Office Phone: /491-RAMS...970/ table of Contents Introduction 1...Table of Contents/Quick Facts 2...Team Roster 3... TV/Radio Roster Schedule Coaches and Staff Head Coach Tom Hilbert 9...Jesse Mahoney 10...Bri Frech 11...Support Staff Student-Athletes Mekana Barnes Ashley Fornstrom Jaime Strauss Katelin Batten 21...Tessa Nelson Jacque Davisson 23...Audrey Hemmings 24...Emily Koenning Danielle Minch Crystin Rodrick 27...Alyson Boehm/Brieon Paige Megan Plourde/Evan Sanders 29...Katelyn Steffan/Lisa Weintraub This is Colorado State Volleyball Moby Arena 34...Volleyball Facilities Media Exposure European Trip NCAA Tournament History All-Americans 44...All-Region Selections Credits Conference Champions 46...Conference Players of the Year Award Winners Season Preview Welcome to CSU Go Green, go state! Fort Collins, Colo World Class Academics New Athletic Facilities 60...Community Outreach 61...Board of Governors Athletic Director Paul Kowalczyk 2007 Season Review Season Review 67...Final Results Final Statistics Match-by-Match Results Records 74...Individual Single-Match Records 75...Team Single-Match Records 76...Individual Single-Season Records 77..Freshman Records/Team Single-Season Career Records 79...Annual Statistical Leaders 80...Miscellaneous Records Year-by-Year Results Media Information and Opponents Media Information Mountain West Conference Opponents and Series Results The 2008 Colorado State volleyball media guide was published by the Colorado State Department of Athletics. The guide is a product of the Colorado State media relations office. Prepress formatting, desktop layout, design, writing and research by assistant directors of media relations John Manuszak and Danny Mattie. Additional writing, editing and research by student assistants Kristen Deahl, Katy Johnstone, Nick Sebesta, Luke Simmons and former media relations member Joanna Riley. Editorial contributions by director of media relations Zak Gilbert. Cover design by Mark Hanson and Terry Nash. Photo credits to Paul Dorweiler, Tim O Hara, and Don Reichert, and photo technical assistance by Digigraphics. The guide was printed by Pioneer Press, Inc., of Greeley, Colo. On the inside back cover: Jaime Strauss (top right), Ashley Fornstrom (bottom left). History First Year of Volleyball: All-Time Record: (32nd year) No. Years in NCAA Tourn./Last...19/ Postseason Play:...NCAA Second Round...(Lost to Michigan) Team Information Head Coach: Tom Hilbert (Oklahoma, 1984) Record at CSU (Year) (12) Overall Record (Year) (20) Assistant Coaches: Jesse Mahoney (Colorado, 95) Bri Frech (Colorado State, 06) Volleyball Office Phone:...970/ Record: Conf. Record (Finish): (1st) Letterwinners Returning/Lost:... 10/3 Starters Returning/Lost:...5+1/1 Newcomers:...5 Media Information Volleyball SID:...John Manuszak Office Phone Number:...970/ Cell Phone Number:...970/ SID Fax:...970/ SID ...John.Manuszak@colostate.edu Website:... Courtside Phone Number:...970/ Mailing Address... Colorado State Athletic Media Relations 311 McGraw Athletic Center Fort Collins, CO Colorado State VOLLEYBALL

2 2008 Colorado State Volleyball Numerical Roster No. Name Height Position Class Hometown (Last School) 1 Jaime Strauss 6-1 OH SR (3L) Fort Collins, Colo. (Windsor) 2 Ashley Fornstrom 5-9 S SR (3L) Cheyenne, Wyo. (Cheyenne Central) 3 Mekana Barnes 6-0 MB RS SR (3L) Highlands Ranch, Colo. (ThunderRidge) 4 Katelyn Steffan 6-4 OP RS FR (HS) Dickinson, N.D. (Dickinson) 5 Megan Plourde 6-2 OH FR (HS) Somerset, Wis. (Somerset) 6 Katelin Batten 5-5 L JR (2L) Parker, Colo. (Grandview) 7 Crystin Rodrick 5-7 DS SO (1L) Edwards, Colo. (Battle Mountain) 8 Evan Sanders 6-0 S FR (HS) Layfayette, Colo. (Centaurus) 9 Emily Koenning 5-6 DS SO (1L) Littleton Colo. (Chatfield) 10 Jacqueline Davisson 5-11 OH SO (1L) Placentia, Calif. (Valencia) 11 Tessa Nelson 6-2 MB RS JR (2L) Balaton, Minn. (Tracy/Milroy/Balaton) 13 Danielle Minch 6-2 OH SO (1L) Sterling, Colo. (Sterling) 15 Alyson Boehm 5-11 OH FR (HS) San Jose, Calif. (Archbishop Mitty) 16 Audrey Hemmings 5-6 DS SO (1L) Greeley, Colo. (Greeley West) 17 Brieon Paige 6-2 MB FR (HS) Sacramento, Calif. (Franklin) 18 Lisa Weintraub 5-8 DS FR (HS) Encino, Calif. (Montclair) 2008 Colorado State Volleyball Alphabetical Roster No. Name Height Position Class Hometown (Last School) 3 Mekana Barnes 6-0 MB RS SR (3L) Highlands Ranch, Colo. (ThunderRidge) 6 Katelin Batten 5-5 L JR (2L) Parker, Colo. (Grandview) 15 Alyson Boehm 5-11 OH FR (HS) San Jose, Calif. (Archbishop Mitty) 10 Jacqueline Davisson 5-11 OH SO (1L) Placentia, Calif. (Valencia) 2 Ashley Fornstrom 5-9 S SR (3L) Cheyenne, Wyo. (Cheyenne Central) 16 Audrey Hemmings 5-6 DS SO (1L) Greeley, Colo. (Greeley West) 9 Emily Koenning 5-6 DS SO (1L) Littleton Colo. (Chatfield) 13 Danielle Minch 6-2 OH SO (1L) Sterling, Colo. (Sterling) 11 Tessa Nelson 6-2 MB RS JR (2L) Balaton, Minn. (Tracy/Milroy/Balaton) 17 Brieon Paige 6-2 MB FR (HS) Sacramento, Calif. (Franklin) 5 Megan Plourde 6-2 OH FR (HS) Somerset, Wis. (Somerset) 7 Crystin Rodrick 5-7 DS SO (1L) Edwards, Colo. (Battle Mountain) 8 Evan Sanders 6-0 S FR (HS) Layfayette, Colo. (Centaurus) 4 Katelyn Steffan 6-4 OP RS FR (HS) Dickinson, N.D. (Dickinson) 1 Jaime Strauss 6-1 OH SR (3L) Fort Collins, Colo. (Windsor) 18 Lisa Weintraub 5-8 DS FR (HS) Encino, Calif. (Monclair) Head Coach: Tom Hilbert (Oklahoma, 1984; 12th Year) Assistant Coach: Jesse Mahoney (Colorado, 1995; 4th Year) Assistant Coach: Bri Frech (Colorado State, 2006; 1st Year) Roster Breakdown By Class Seniors (3): Barnes, Fornstrom and Strauss Juniors (2): Batten and Nelson Sophomores (5): Davisson, Hemmings, Koenning, Minch, and Rodrick Freshmen (6): Boehm, Paige, Plourde, Sanders, Steffan and Weintraub By Position Setters (2): Fornstrom and Sanders Libero (1): Batten Outside Hitters (5): Boehm, Davisson, Minch, Plourde and Strauss Middle Blockers (5): Barnes, Nelson and Paige Opposite Hitter (1): Steffan Defensive Specialists (3): Hemmings, Koenning, Rodrick and Weintraub Pronunciation Guide Mekana Barnes...mih-KAY-nah Katelin Batten... KATE-lynn Ashley Fornstrom...FORN-strum Emily Koenning...KAY-ning Crystin Rodrick...KRIS-tin Alyson Boehm... BAY-um Megan Plourde...PLORD 2 Colorado State VOLLEYBALL 2008

3 TV/Radio Roster #1 Jaime Strauss SR OH 6-1 Fort Collins, Colo. #2 Ashley Fornstrom SR S 5-9 Cheyenne, Wyo. #3 Mekana Barnes RS SR MB 6-0 Highlands Ranch, Colo. #4 Katelyn Steffan RS FR OP 6-4 Dickinson, N.D. #5 Megan Plourde FR OH 6-2 Somerset, Wisc. #6 Katelin Batten JR L 5-5 Parker, Colo. #7 Crystin Rodrick SO DS 5-7 Edwards, Colo. #8 Evan Sanders FR S 6-0 Lafayette, Colo. #9 Emily Koenning SO DS 5-6 Littleton, Colo. #10 Jacque Davisson SO OH 5-11 Placentia, Calif. #15 Alyson Boehm FR OH 5-11 San Jose, Calif. #16 Audrey Hemmings SO DS 5-6 Greeley, Colo. #11 Tessa Nelson RS JR MB 6-2 Balaton, Minn. #18 Lisa Weintraub FR DS 5-8 Encino, Calif. #13 Danielle Minch SO OH 6-2 Sterling, Colo. Head Coach Tom Hilbert Assistant Head Coach Jesse Mahoney #17 Brieon Paige FR MB 6-2 Sacramento, Calif. Assistant Coach Bri Frech Colorado State VOLLEYBALL

4 2008 CoLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY VOLLEYBALL SCHEDULE Hilton Classic Aug. 29 vs. Arkansas Fort Collins, Colo. 7:30 p.m. MT Aug. 30 vs. Denver Fort Collins, Colo. 12 p.m. MT vs. Eastern Washington Fort Collins, Colo. 7:30 p.m. MT Asics Classic Sept. 5 vs. Pepperdine Corvallis, Ore. 5 p.m. MT Sept. 6 vs. Oregon State Corvallis, Ore. 7 p.m. MT Sept. 7 vs. Pacific Corvallis, Ore. 12 p.m. MT Coors Rocky Mountain Challenge Sept. 10 at Colorado Boulder, Colo. 6:30 p.m. MT Sept. 12 vs. North Carolina Fort Collins, Colo. 7 p.m. MT Sept. 13 vs. Florida Fort Collins, Colo. 7 p.m. MT Sept. 18 vs. Utah* Fort Collins, Colo. 7 p.m. MT Sept. 20 vs. BYU* Fort Collins, Colo. 7 p.m. MT Sept. 26 vs. Wyoming* Fort Collins, Colo. 7 p.m. MT Oct. 2 at Air Force* Colorado Springs, Colo. 7 p.m. MT Oct. 4 vs. Arizona Fort Collins, Colo. 7 p.m. MT Oct. 7 at Northern Colorado Greeley, Colo. 7 p.m. MT Oct. 9 vs. TCU* Fort Collins, Colo. 7 p.m. MT Oct. 12 vs. New Mexico* Fort Collins, Colo. 1 p.m. MT Oct. 16 at UNLV* Las Vegas, Nev. 7 p.m. MT Oct. 18 at San Diego State* San Diego, Calif. 2 p.m. MT Oct. 24 at Wyoming* Laramie, Wyo. 7 p.m. MT Nov. 1 vs. Air Force* Fort Collins, Colo. 12 p.m. MT Nov. 6 at New Mexico* Albuquerque, N.M. 1 p.m. MT Nov. 8 at TCU* Fort Worth, Texas 1 p.m. MT Nov. 13 vs. San Diego State* Fort Collins, Colo. 7 p.m. MT Nov. 16 vs. UNLV* Fort Collins, Colo. 4 p.m. MT Nov. 20 at BYU* Provo, Utah 7 p.m. MT Nov. 22 at Utah* Salt Lake City, Utah 1 p.m. MT Nov. 29 at Long Beach State Long Beach, Calif. TBA Dec. 5 NCAA First Round Matches TBD TBA Dec. 6 NCAA First Round Matches TBD TBA Dec. 12 NCAA Regional Matches Fort Collins, Colo. TBA Dec. 13 NCAA Regional Matches Fort Collins, Colo. TBA Dec. 18 NCAA Final Four Omaha, Neb. TBA Dec. 20 NCAA Final Four Omaha, Neb. TBA All games and times are subject to change * indicates Mountain West game; home games in bold 4 Colorado State VOLLEYBALL 2008

5 Colorado State VOLLEYBALL

6 2008 CSU Coaching Staff Fresh off his sixth Mountain West Conference Coach of the Year award in the past nine seasons, Tom Hilbert enters his 12th season at the helm of the CSU women s volleyball team. Under Hilbert s guidance, the Rams have developed into one of the top programs in the nation, qualifying for the NCAA tournament for 13 consecutive years. The streak is a school record for consecutive postseason appearances in any sport. A deeper look inside Hilbert s coaching record reveals some remarkable achievements. Hilbert has amassed a record in Mountain West Conference play and has led the Rams to six regular-season conference titles and four tournament titles. He also ranks 10th among active Division I head coaches in winning percentage (.761). Last season, Mekana Barnes became the fifth player Hilbert has coached at Colorado State to be named to the AVCA All-American team. While at CSU, Hilbert has a record of (.798), and is (.761) overall in 19 seasons as a head coach. He has led his teams to 20 or more wins every season since 1992 a span of 16 straight years with the 1999 Rams setting the school s single-season record for winning percentage after going 30-3 (.909). Before coming to Colorado State, Hilbert led Idaho to the Eastern Division title in 1996 (its first season in the Big West) and in the Big Sky Conference his teams won either the regular season or the tournament championship from Hilbert accumulated a (.707) record at Idaho. He coached the Big Sky s only All-American in Mindy Rice. Hilbert also guided Idaho to its first national ranking and the Vandals were the first Big Sky institution to ever be nationally ranked. Prior to Idaho, Hilbert spent five seasons as an assistant at his alma mater, the University of Oklahoma, from A native of Norman, Okla., Hilbert earned his bachelor s degree in business administration and marketing from OU in He also received a master s in sports and recreation management from Idaho in Hilbert and wife Leslie have been married for 20 years, live in Fort Collins and have one daughter, Myles, who will be 8 in September. Hilbert s Coaching Capsule Year Overall Pct. Conf. Pct. Finish th, Big Sky th, Big Sky th, Big Sky st, Big Sky st, Big Sky st, Big Sky st, Big Sky st, Big West-E. Div nd, WAC-Mtn. Div st, WAC-Mtn. Div nd, MWC st, MWC st, MWC st, MWC st, MWC st, MWC nd, MWC rd, MWC st, MWC Idaho CSU Total Colorado State VOLLEYBALL 2008

7 Food: Seafood Movie: Shawshank Redemption Music: The B-52 s Thing you couldn t live without: My daughter s hugs Athlete I admire most: Tiger Woods Person you would like to have dinner with: Phil Jackson - coach of the Los Angeles Lakers I chose Colorado State because this is the best community in the country to live in and the volleyball support is huge in this town. - Tom Hilbert Colorado State VOLLEYBALL

8 HILBERT by the numbers Career Wins Wins at Colorado State (284-72;.798) 13 - Consecutive appearances in the NCAA tournament 13 - Straight seasons with 20 or more wins 10 - Conference championships (six regular season and four tournament) since All-Americans coached by Hilbert 6 - Conference Coach of the Year honors home winning percentage in MWC play (60-6) home winning percentage in Hilbert era (156-21) MWC winning percentage in his career (113-19) Hilbert s Coaching Philosophy Like life in general, athletic development is a growth process, not a means to an end. To get the most out of life one should continuously set and re-evaluate performance goals in all areas; athletics, academics, career, etc. Through athletics young people learn how to set long- and short-term goals and build self-esteem through achievement of those goals. I believe in a democratic style of team management. Teams should set their own goals, make their own rules and make major team decisions. Peer influence is much more effective than authoritarian influence. When an athlete takes part in successful team building, it is a very rewarding and educational experience. In practice and in competition volleyball is a game of emotion and intensity so it is important to train with emotion and intensity. We combine high-repetition teaching drills with intense competitive game drills. Colorado State players learn to embrace competition and mental toughness. When the game is on the line, I want players who have looked pressure in the eyes and conquered it. College coaches have an awesome responsibility in guiding young people through such an important segment of life. It is a time of emotional, intellectual and physical growth. We must take this responsibility seriously. When an athlete leaves a program under my direction, I want her to look back on her college athletic experience as one of the most rewarding times of her life. 8 Colorado State VOLLEYBALL 2008

9 2008 CSU Coaching Staff Jesse Mahoney is in his fourth season with the Rams and his first as associate head coach. He was promoted to the position prior to the start of the 2008 season. Mahoney serves as the recruiting coordinator in addition to working with the blocking schemes and middle blockers. Since his arrival in Fort Collins, Mahoney has put together two recruiting classes ranked in the top 25 in the country by PrepVolleyball.com. The 2007 class was ranked 14th in the country while this season s incoming class was ranked 22nd. Mahoney s coaching presence has also been felt on the court as he has turned CSU into one of the top blocking teams in the country. In 2005, the Rams ranked ninth in the NCAA in blocks per game while in 2007, CSU led the Mountain West Conference and finished fifth in the country in that same category. Middle blockers Dre Downs (all-conference and allregion in 2005 in her first season at that position) and Mekana Barnes (all-conference in 2006 and Mountain West Player of the Year and a third-team All-American in 2007) have also thrived under Mahoney s watch. Mahoney came to Colorado State from Fort Hays State, where he was the head coach from While at Fort Hays State, Mahoney tallied a record of , including a mark of in both 2003 and His Lady Tigers went 31-5 in 2004 as they posted the best record in NCAA Division II competition and finished the season ranked 11th nationally. Mahoney led Fort Hays State to its first regional tournament berth in 2003 and then led the squad to the regional finals in Fort Hays State participated in four consecutive Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) tournaments under Mahoney's guidance. Food: Mexican Movie: Cool Hand Luke Music: Elvis Costello Thing you couldn t live without: My family Athlete I admire most: Karch Kiraly Person you would like to have dinner with: William Shakespeare I chose Colorado State because the volleyball program is first-rate and the community support is incredible. In addition, CSU is a great academic institution. - Jesse Mahoney At Fort Hays State, Mahoney coached the only three All-Americans in school history, Ashley Holt, Kelly Skidmore and Amber Zoglman. Prior to Fort Hays State, he was the assistant coach at Colorado Christian in 1998, helping lead the Cougars to a tie for first place in the RMAC East Division with a 17-2 record. Mahoney was the head coach of the University of Colorado men's club team for two years and was an assistant with the team the year prior to that. He also helped coach the 18-under Front Range Volleyball Club team that captured the USA Junior Rocky Mountain Region championship. Prior to coaching, Mahoney spent four seasons as the starting setter on the CU men's club team. He earned all-tournament honors in 1993 after leading the team to the national championship. A native of Boulder, Colo., he received a bachelor s degree in psychology from CU in 1995 and a Juris Doctorate degree at the University of Colorado School of Law in He is married to the former Gwen McEntyre and the couple has two children: Macy James (2) and Griffin (1). Colorado State VOLLEYBALL

10 2008 CSU Coaching Staff Former Rams standout Bri Frech enters her first season as an assistant coach at Colorado State. Bri joins the staff full-time after spending the 2007 season as the Rams video and statistics coordinator. Her new duties will include scouting and video analysis as well as on-court coaching and recruiting support. Frech first joined the Rams as a player in 2003 after spending her freshman and sophomore years at Salt Lake City Community College. In the 2003 and 2004 seasons Frech was a full-time starter for the Rams, earning all-mountain West Conference and all-tournament honors while leading her team to NCAA bids in both years and a combined 56-9 record. In 2005 Frech served as a student assistant for the Rams while completing her degree. She then played professionally in France for MVS La Rochette for the 2006 season prior to returning to Fort Collins in Food: Sushi and Kohlrouladen Movie: Pretty Woman Music: Muse, Absolute Beginners, Wir sind Helden Thing you couldn t live without: The sun and hugs & kisses Athlete I admire most: Tiger Woods Person you would like to have dinner with: Nelson Mandela I chose Colorado State because it was a great fit for me. I was comfortable with the coaching staff and I felt very honored when they gave me an offer to come play here. - Bri Frech A native of Eschwege, Germany, she received a bachelor of science degree in business administration from Colorado State in Colorado State VOLLEYBALL 2008

11 2008 CSU Volleyball Support Staff Liz Schwebach Academic Coordinator Third Year at CSU Dolores Price Administrative Assistant 15th Year at CSU Crystal Dudley Athletic Trainer Second Year at CSU Mike Silbernagel Strength & Conditioning Fifth Year at CSU John Manuszak Media Relations First Year at CSU Nick Watson Equipment Fourth Year at CSU Colorado State VOLLEYBALL

12 12 Colorado State VOLLEYBALL 2008

13 Colorado State VOLLEYBALL

14 2008 CSU Student-Athletes 2007: Played in 31 matches and 107 games Finished the year with 420 kills Led the team with 28 service aces Averaged 1.65 blocks per game for a career high Finished with 177 blocks, her third consecutive season with at least 100 and a career high Led the team with 545 points, averaging 5.09 points per game Named 2007 Mountain West Conference Player of the Year Named MWC Player of the Week four times, back-to-back twice Named Sports Imports/AVCA Division I Player of the Week Named AVCA all-region in the postseason Became the eighth in CSU history to be named to the AVCA All-American squad, on the third team, only the third junior in CSU volleyball history to earn the honor One of only three players in the NCAA to be in the Top 10 for both hitting percentage and blocks per game. 2006: Played in 27 matches and 97 games...finished the year with 306 kills...hit.286 on Led the team with 31 service aces and averaged a team-high 0.32 assists per game...set career highs with 24 kills and an attack percentage of.514 ( ), against Utah...Had 47 attacks at UNLV...Recorded her 500th career kill, against TCU... Finished with 101 blocks, her second consecutive season with at least Is averaging 1.13 blocks per game for her career, ninth in school history...named to the Mountain West All-Conference and Mountain West all-tournament teams. single-season chart...tied the MWC tournament record for blocks by a freshman with nine against New Mexico in the quarterfinals...also ranked third on the freshman charts in block assists, fourth in hitting percentage and ninth in kills...notched 14 kills three times and hit a season-best.474 against Texas Tech. 2004: Redshirted in her first season at Colorado State. High School: Was a three-sport athlete for the Grizzlies, playing volleyball and basketball, and competing in track and field...was a 2003 allstate selection in volleyball and helped the Grizzlies win the 5A state championship in basketball to climax the season...did not play basketball her senior season...named second-team all-state in volleyball in 2004 by the Rocky Mountain News...Had 15 blocks in a match twice as a senior, totaling 184 on the year, which led all players at the 5A level... Also played club volleyball for Front Range, which qualified for USA Volleyball s Junior Olympic Championships. Personal: Full name is Mekana Denai Barnes...Father is Robert Barnes... Has one younger sister, Britney, and three younger brothers, Trent, Teray and Christopher...Was born in Pasadena, Calif., on Oct. 29, : Started all 30 matches for the Rams...Became just the fifth freshman in CSU history to record 100 blocks, against TCU on Nov Ended the season with 129 blocks, tied for second on CSU s freshman Career Stats GP MP Kill K/G E TA % A A/G SA SA/G D D/G BS BA TB B/G Pts TOTAL Colorado State VOLLEYBALL 2008

15 Food: Mexican and Asian Movie: Rush Hour (all three) Music: A little of everything Thing you couldn t live without: A shower Athlete I admire most: Sara Hunter Person you would like to have dinner with: Michael Cooper, cousin who played for the Los Angeles Lakers I chose Colorado State because there is a great tradition and a great team atmosphere. - All-American Mekana Barnes Colorado State VOLLEYBALL

16 2008 CSU Student-Athletes 2007: Named Mountain West Conference Setter of the Year and AVCA All-American honorable mention Was one of two players to appear in all 110 games played Tallied her second career triple double (52a-14d- 10b) against Utah on Oct. 20 Also became just the eighth player in conference history to have two or more career triple-doubles Named Mountain West Conference Player of the Week on Oct. 22 for the third time in her career Recorded 80 assists at BYU on Sept. 22, good for the third most in school history for a five-game match Amassed 1,509 assists, good for ninth in school history for a single season Averaged assists per game, the third most for a single season in school history Currently sits in fifth place on CSU s all-time career assists list with 4,111 helpers. 2006: Started 30 matches at setter and played in 110 games...had 1,384 assists on the season, including 22 matches of 40-or-more assists... Turned in a season-high 68 assists at UNLV...Ranks seventh in school history with 2,602 career assists...earned her first career triple-double at Wyoming with 53 assists, 14 digs and 11 blocks...had nine kills at San Diego State for a season high...set a career high with 19 digs in the regular-season finale against Utah...Finished with 99 kills and hit Finished the season with 10 double-doubles...named Mountain West Co-Player of the Week and Mountain West all-tournament. Week after the Rams played at TCU and won at Wyoming...Finished the season ranked sixth on the freshman blocks chart with 101, ninth on the freshman charts with 1.94 digs per game and 202 digs, and third with 0.30 aces per game; also tied for third with 31 aces...had a career-high 65 assists at BYU and recorded 14 digs twice...also had a career-high eight blocks against Utah in Moby Arena. High School: Earned 10 letters in high school, four in volleyball, four in basketball and two in track...was the Southern Wyoming Athletic Conference Volleyball Player of the Year and was named the MVP of the state basketball championship...led her volleyball team to conference championships in 2002 and `03, as well as a 2003 state championship in track, and a 2005 title in basketball...holds the school record in the high jump... Was a three-time all-conference selection in volleyball and a two-time honoree in basketball; additionally earned all-state honors twice in track ( ), twice in volleyball ( ) and once in basketball (2005). Personal: Full name is Ashley Brooke Fornstrom...Is the youngest of two daughters of Jim and Salli Portz and Jeff and Sonja Fornstrom...Her older sister, Brittany, also played volleyball for the Rams...Was born in Cheyenne, Wyo., on July 19, : The starting setter since the fifth match of the season, climbed to third on the freshman assists chart and ninth in school history in assists with 1,218...Was named the Mountain West Conference Player of the Career Stats GP MP Kill K/G E TA % A A/G SA SA/G D D/G BS BA TB B/G Pts TOTAL Colorado State VOLLEYBALL 2008

17 Food: Cereal and mashed potatoes Movie: Steel Magnolias Music: Country Thing you couldn t live without: Flip flops Athlete I admire most: John Elway Person you would like to have dinner with: Mike Myers I chose Colorado State because I really wanted to be close to home and I m very close to my family. I really like CSU and I love Fort Collins. - Ashley Fornstrom Colorado State VOLLEYBALL

18 2008 CSU Student-Athletes 2007: Played in 30 matches and 107 games as an outside hitter Had a career-high 81 attacks in a five-game match at TCU on Nov. 15, which is No. 1 on the individual single-match record chart for CSU Had 1,217 total attacks on the season, putting her at eighth on the individual single-season record list Led the team with 451 kills and 4.21 kills per game Had career-best 30 kills at BYU on Sept. 22 Had 15 or more kills in 15 games Set a career-high mark for assists with eight vs. Oregon State on Aug. 24 Matched career best two solo blocks in five games Broke her previous career record of six total blocks with seven at TCU on Nov. 15 Had 11 double doubles for the season with kills and digs Had a season-high 21 digs at BYU on Sept. 22 Named an honorable mention All-American by AVCA and named to the AVCA All-West Region team Named MWC Player of the Week and named to the MWC all-conference team 2006: Played in all 30 matches and 110 games, as an outside hitter Finished the season with a team-leading 392 kills Hit.217 and averaged 3.56 kills per game Set career bests in every category Notched 24 kills against both BYU and TCU for a career high Had a least 10 kills in 23 matches Also had a career-attack high at BYU with 58 swings Set her career high in digs with 22 vs. Missouri State Had six blocks against Wyoming Had 64 blocks for the season, averaging 0.58 per game Finished third on the team with 284 digs Earned 13 double-doubles Named the Mountain West Conference tournament MVP 2005: Played in all 30 matches and in 101 of the team s 108 games Notched 13 digs in the second match of the season against Northern Iowa Had six kills against Wyoming on Sept. 30 Played in the back row as a defensive specialist for Tess Rogers all season Was one of three freshmen to play in all of the Rams matches Also had a solo block in the home win over Wyoming. High School: Was named to the all-conference team from and was an all-state selection in both 2003 and 04 Also named to the 2004 All-Colorado team as well as being the A State Player of the Year, conference Player of the Year and Weld Player of the Year Also played one year of tennis for the Wizards Played club volleyball for NORCO with CSU teammate Ashley Fornstrom. Personal: Born Oct. 31, 1986, in Fort Collins Is the oldest of two children of Jeff and Tami Strauss, and has a younger brother, Tyler Becomes the seventh player from Fort Collins to play volleyball at Colorado State since Career Stats GP MP Kill K/G E TA % A A/G SA SA/G D D/G BS BA TB B/G Pts TOTAL Colorado State VOLLEYBALL 2008

19 Food: Cheese pizza with ranch Movie: Wedding Crashers Music: Everything Thing you couldn t live without: My day planner Athlete I admire most: Michael Jordan Person you would like to have dinner with: Julie Andrews or Cher I chose Colorado State because it was the right fit. I grew up around CSU volleyball since I was a kid, and I really liked the support Fort Collins had for volleyball. - Jaime Strauss Colorado State VOLLEYBALL

20 2008 CSU Student-Athletes 2007: Was one of two players to appear in all 110 games played Recorded 463 digs for an average of 4.21 per game, both school records for a single season Recorded a career-high 29 digs against Miami (Ohio) on Sept. 7, tying her for second in school history for most digs in a fivegame match Her 27 digs at BYU on Sept. 22 tied her for fourth most in school history for digs in a five-game match Tallied 20 or more digs in six matches Totaled 24 service aces and 47 assists, both improvements from her previous season. 2006: Played in 30 matches and 113 games at the libero...was the only player to play in every game for CSU...Had a team-high and freshman single-season record 438 digs for an average of 3.88 per game...ended the season with 18 service aces...totaled 31 assists...registered 25 digs against UNLV...Had six 20-dig matches, and a streak of 27 consecutive matches with double-figure digs. High School: Earned the first-ever defensive specialist honor on the Rocky Mountain News All Colorado team...helped lead Grandview to back-to-back state titles in volleyball...also was an all-state pick in volleyball and an all-city selection in track...finished fourth at the state championship in the shot put as both a sophomore and junior, and was third as a senior...was on the honor roll and was a CHSAA academic allstate honorable mention...played for Front Range Volleyball Club. Food: Steak Movie: The Sixth Man Music: Chris Tomlin and David Crowder Band Thing you couldn t live without: My ipod Athlete I admire most: Stacy Sykora - U.S. Olympic volleyball player Person you would like to have dinner with: Jesus I chose Colorado State because it was my dream school to come to for volleyball. I love Colorado State and the Fort Collins community. - Katelin Batten Personal: Full name is Katelin Elaine Batten...Is the youngest of three children of Patrick and Karen Batten...Has an older sister, Kyla, who played volleyball at Wayne State, and an older brother, Andrew, who was an All-American in the long jump...is majoring in health and exercise science at Colorado State...Born in Council Bluffs, Iowa, on June 16, Career Stats GP MP Kill K/G E TA % A A/G SA SA/G D D/G BS BA TB B/G Pts TOTAL Colorado State VOLLEYBALL 2008

21 2008 CSU Student-Athletes 2007: Played in all 31 matches and in 108 games as a middle blocker Had a career-high 130 block assists for the season, 10th on CSU s individual singleseason record chart Notched 15 kills against Winthrop on Sept. 8 Hit.600 vs. Pacific on Sept. 1 Recorded at least 10 kills in 10 games Averaged 2.25 kills per game, with 241 total kills Hit.312 on the season Had a career-best 10 block assists at Arizona on Nov. 9 Matched a career-best two solo blocks vs. Miami (Ohio) on Sept. 7 Tied a career best for aces with one vs. Oregon State on Aug. 24 Had 29 digs for the season 2006: Played 112 games, all 30 matches as a freshman Had a career-high 16 kills against Utah Hit.714 against Air Force for a career high Tallied nine block assists at Wyoming Finished the season with a team-leading 119 blocks, including 10 solo blocks Notched 234 kills and hit.234 ( ) Finished with 27 digs on the season. 2005: Redshirted in her first year at Colorado State. High School: Earned four letters in volleyball, basketball and track Was named the volleyball conference MVP in 2003 and 04, and the league s track MVP in 2003; also was as an all-state selection in volleyball both seasons Won two state championships in volleyball (2001, 04) and four in track & field, holding the school record in the high jump and triple jump Also won the 2004 basketball conference championship and was an academic honor roll selection. Personal: Born Sept. 17, 1986, in Sioux Falls, S.D. Plans on majoring in veterinary sciences Is the oldest of two children of Bill and Cathy Nelson, and has a younger brother, Drew Is the first player in CSU history to hail from the state of Minnesota. Food: Fajitas Movie: Wedding Crashers Music: Country Thing you couldn t live without: Sour Patch Kids and Popcorn Athlete I admire most: Brett Favre Person you would like to have dinner with: Angelina Jolie I chose Colorado State because I was interested in veterinary medicine and also for the fun atmosphere of Fort Collins and Moby. The volleyball team, coaches and environment were a perfect fit for me. - Tessa Nelson Career Stats GP MP Kill K/G E TA % A A/G SA SA/G D D/G BS BA TB B/G Pts TOTAL Colorado State VOLLEYBALL

22 2008 CSU Student-Athletes 2007: Played in 87 games and totaled 164 digs during her freshman season Posted a career-high 14 digs at Utah on Oct. 20 Played in her first collegiate match on Aug. 30 vs. No. 13 Ohio State. High School: Led Valencia High School to the league championship and CIF championship in 2006 Was a three-time team MVP Earned the Loara Tournament MVP and the Diamond Ranch Tournament MVP in 2006 Twice received firstteam all-league honors and once captured conference MVP honors Holds the school record for most kills in a season (340) and most kills in a four-year career (770) while ranking second all-time in blocks for a four-year career A three-sport athlete and three-sport letterwinner Helped lead Valencia to the basketball league championship in 2004 High school volleyball coach was Mark Castillo. Personal: Born on Dec. 17, 1988, in Orange, Calif....Daughter of Danny and Lisa Davisson...Has two brothers full name: Jacqueline Renee Davisson. Food: Cereal and PBJ s Movie: V for Vendetta Music: Kalai and Lil Wayne Thing you couldn t live without: My flip flops and bikini Athlete I admire most: Maria Luisa - Olympic athlete Person you would like to have dinner with: Flo Hymann -legendary volleyball player I chose Colorado State because of the volleyball and the team. It just felt right when I came here on my visit. - Jacque Davisson Career Stats GP MP Kill K/G E TA % A A/G SA SA/G D D/G BS BA TB B/G Pts TOTAL Colorado State VOLLEYBALL 2008

23 2008 CSU Student-Athletes 2007: Appeared in 19 matches and 49 games as a defensive specialist Had a career-high 15 digs at Utah on Sept. 21 Totaled 95 digs on the year, including three games with 10 or more. High School: Lettered four years in both volleyball and soccer...garnered all-conference honors twice in volleyball and once in soccer...was a team captain and earned All Colorado recognition in volleyball from the Rocky Mountain News...Received first-team academic all-state recognition three times, in both volleyball and soccer...competed against currentteammates Crystin Rodrick and Jaime Strauss in high school... Helped Spartans to state soccer championship as a freshman... Also played for the NORCO club team...high school volleyball coach was Josie Hemmings, her mother. Personal: Born on Jan. 10, 1989, in Greeley, Colo....Daughter of Bruce and Josie Hemmings...Has three older sisters, two of whom also are student-athletes: Taryn, a soccer player at Denver, and Sarah, a soccer player currently at Arizona who began college playing both basketball and soccer at Northern Colorado...Full name: Audrey Ryann Hemmings...Open option major. Food: Lasagna Movie: The Holiday Music: Country Thing you couldn t live without: Candy Athlete I admire most: Michael Jordan Person you would like to have dinner with: David Beckham I chose Colorado State because of the level of competition, the players on the team and because it is close to home. - Audrey Hemmings Career Stats GP MP Kill K/G E TA % A A/G SA SA/G D D/G BS BA TB B/G Pts TOTAL Colorado State VOLLEYBALL

24 2008 CSU Student-Athletes 2007: Played in 11 matches and 18 games as a defensive specialist Recorded a career-best seven digs vs. Oregon State on Aug. 24 Had 15 digs on the season Served one ace against Northern Colorado on Oct. 2 Had one attack and one assist vs. Michigan on Aug. 26. High School: Three-year volleyball letterwinner and secondteam all-conference selection Helped Chargers to 2005 Jefferson County League championship Served as captain as a senior Member of her school s honor roll Also competed on the Juggernaut club team High school coach was Tom Paszko. Personal: Born June 23, 1989, in Englewood, Colo. Daughter of Tom and Bernadet Koenning Has one older brother Full name: Emily Cicelia Koenning Last name is pronounced KAY-ning Open option major. Food: Oreo ice cream Movie: Hook Music: Country Thing you couldn t live without: Cross necklace Athlete I admire most: Nelly Spicer Person you would like to have dinner with: Jesus I chose Colorado State because of the volleyball program. - Emily Koenning Career Stats GP MP Kill K/G E TA % A A/G SA SA/G D D/G BS BA TB B/G Pts TOTAL Colorado State VOLLEYBALL 2008

25 2008 CSU Student-Athletes 2007: Saw playing time in every match, the only freshman on the roster to do so...appeared in 96 of the team s 110 games played Finished fifth on the team in kills with 214 Averaged 2.23 kills per game, including a career-high 15 at BYU on Sept. 22 Totaled 10 kills or more in nine matches Had a career-high six blocks at Utah on Sept. 21. High School: Helped lead Sterling to a pair of state volleyball championships (2005, 06)...Holds the school record with 450 kills in a season...twice received her school s outstanding net play team honor...notched all-state accolades in 2005 and `06...A three-sport athlete and three-sport varsity letterwinner...also helped lead Sterling to a basketball state championship in 2005, and was named basketball team MVP...High school volleyball coach was Lisa Schumacher. Personal: Born on Feb. 3, 1989, in Sterling, Colo...Daughter of Ken and Terri Minch...Has one brother...full name: Danielle Nicole Minch. Food: Mexican Movie: Love and Basketball Music: R&B and Hip Hop Thing you couldn t live without: Cell phone Athlete I admire most: Michael Jordan Person you would like to have dinner with: Dwyane Wade I chose Colorado State because it is close to home, it s a great atmosphere and the team and the coaching staff are awesome. - Danielle Minch Career Stats GP MP Kill K/G E TA % A A/G SA SA/G D D/G BS BA TB B/G Pts TOTAL Colorado State VOLLEYBALL

26 2008 CSU Student-Athletes 2007: Appeared in 20 matches and 47 games as a defensive specialist Totaled 59 digs, including a career-high 13 at Hawaii on Aug. 25 Notched her first career kill, against Oregon State, in the team s season opener. High School: Helped lead Battle Mountain High School (Avon, Colo.) to both a state title and a third-place finish...received allleague honors four years in a row...named first-team all-state twice, by both the Rocky Mountain News and the Denver Post...A two-sport athlete at BMHS and a two-sport varsity letterwinner...helped lead the track team to seventh in the state, and was named the regional champion in track...also earned first-team academic all-state honors...high school volleyball coach was Brian Doyon. Personal: Born on March 17, 1989, in Loma Linda, Calif....Daughter of Robert and Jeannie Rodrick...Has two brothers and two sisters...full name: Crystin Rodrick. Food: Sushi and seafood Movie: Captain Ron/All Dogs Go To Heaven Music: Bob Marley Thing you couldn t live without: Coffee Athlete I admire most: Earl Boykins Person you would like to have dinner with: Heath Ledger I chose Colorado State because I grew up watching the program and playing in their camps. - Crystin Rodrick Career Stats GP MP Kill K/G E TA % A A/G SA SA/G D D/G BS BA TB B/G Pts TOTAL Colorado State VOLLEYBALL 2008

27 2008 CSU Student-Athletes Food: Mashed potatoes Movie: Cars Music: The Fray and Rascal Flatts Thing you couldn t live without: Cell Phone Athlete I admire most: Ronnie Lott Person you would like to have dinner with: Elvis Food: Shrimp Scampi Movie: Remember the Titans Music: Pop, R&B, oldies, gospel Thing you couldn t live without: Bobby pins, bracelets, a big purse full of stuff and my family Athlete I admire most: Michael Jordan I chose Colorado State because of the Person location, you would the campus, like to the have volleyball dinner team with: Pharell Williams and the business school. - Alyson Boehm High School: Named all-league in the West Catholic Athletic League in three seasons and was a three-time letterwinner in volleyball...helped lead the Monarchs to three league titles, three conference championships and three Northern California championships...was a principal s honor roll student. Personal: Daughter of Carrie Simons and Dale Boehm...has one brother, Kyle was born in Santa Clara, Calif. on Nov. 8, High School: Earned first-team all league honors as a senior...was a four-year letterwinner in volleyball...named the Wildcats best offensive player and led the team in blocks as a senior...was a team captain as a junior and senior...an honor roll student who completed over 100 hours of community service. Personal: Daughter of Stephone and Paula Paige Father played football at Sacramento State...Has two brothers, Stephone II and Elon...Both brothers are student-athletes at Sacramento State (Stephone II - track and field and Elon - football)...was born in Fresno, Calif. on March 25, Colorado State VOLLEYBALL

28 2008 CSU Student-Athletes Food: Pineapple Movie: A Walk To Remember Music: Pop and Country Thing you couldn t live without: Cell Phone and Family Athlete I admire most: Misty May Person you would like to have dinner with: Channing Tatum High School: Earned four letters each in volleyball, basketball and track at Somerset...Earned all-league honors in all three sports for the Spartans...Named team MVP in both volleyball and basketball...jumped 5 feet, 8 inches in the high jump to earn all-state honors in track...set the school record in spikes and blocks as a senior...was a volleyball team captain as a senior and a basketball team captain as a junior. Personal: Daughter of Kaatje and Dan Plourde...Has one brother, Tim...played for Northern Lights Volleyball Club...was born in Stillwater, Minn. on Nov. 14, Food: My mom s homemade butter rice Movie: Titanic Music: Pop - Lifehouse and Matt Nathanson Thing you couldn t live without: Family and cell phone Athlete I admire most: Misty May Person you would like to have dinner with: Chad Michael Murray I chose Colorado State because of the location, the campus, the volleyball team and the business school. High School: Earned all-state honors in volleyball all four years (first-team during her freshman, junior and senior seasons and second-team as a sophomore) - Alyson Boehm Was named first-team all conference all four years, as well as team MVP each season named conference MVP in volleyball as a freshman, sophomore and senior Named to the Junior Olympics All-American Team Lettered four years in volleyball and two each in basketball and track, and earned first-team academic all-conference in each of those seasons Named as a Top 50 Frosh in the country by Prep Volleyball following her freshman season. Personal: Full name is Evangella Sanders Daughter of Collins and Beverly Sanders Mother played volleyball at the University of Colorado and Cal-State Stanislaus, and father played football at Northern Colorado Has one sister, Alexandra, and one brother, Dillon Was born in Modesto, Calif. on Feb. 9, Colorado State VOLLEYBALL 2008

29 2008 CSU Student-Athletes Food: Pizza Hut breadsticks Movie: Baby Mama Music: R&B and hip hop Thing you couldn t live without: Cell phone Athlete I admire most: Michael Jordan Person you would like to have dinner with: Channing Tatum 2007: Redshirted her first year at Colorado State. High School: Helped lead Dickinson (N.D.) High School to the West Region volleyball championship in 2005, and state championships in both 2005 and 2006 Was a threetime all-league and all-city performer, and a three-time all-state honoree Received multiple individual team honors and holds the school record for stuff blocks in a season (135), and kills in a season (481) Named Miss Volleyball in 2006 Was a three-sport athlete at Dickinson and three-sport varsity letterwinner Garnered all-league, all-city, and all-state honors in basketball Was a Miss Basketball finalist Holds the school basketball record for career points (1,347) Additionally, was a three-time high jump champion in track Holds the school record for the high jump and triple jump Was an All-American nominee in 2006 High school volleyball coach was Jay Schobinger. Personal: Born on April 6, 1989, in Dickinson, N.D. Daughter of Dale and Janene Steffan Has three brothers and one sister Full name: Katelyn Rose Steffan. I chose Colorado State because of the location, the campus, the volleyball team and the business school. - Alyson Boehm Food: Nuetella and Pitas Movie: Titanic Music: Matchbox 20 Thing you couldn t live without: Cell phone Athlete I admire most: Kerry Walsh Person you would like to have dinner with: My dad High School: Was a four-year letterwinner and earned all-conference honors all four years...named league MVP as a senior and first team all-league during her freshman, sophomore and junior seasons...named the team s MVP in each of her four seasons...was the Mounties team captain as a senior and junior...an honor roll student and a member of the National Honor Society. Personal: Daugher of Seth Weintraub and Debre Katz Weintraub...Has one brother, Gil, and one sister, Rachel...Both parents graduated from UCLA...Was born on July 7, 1990 in Encino, Calif. Colorado State VOLLEYBALL